They are evidence of a right, acknowledged and permitted, to agitate against and for things that matter to the people.

The lack of protests, on the other hand, hardly ever signals satisfaction with the status quo.

In Saddam Hussein's Iraq, protests against the regime were neither permitted nor legal and therefore could not be used to gauge the degree of popular support of the regime.

The people of Linden recently launched protest action following the total shutdown of the privately run electricity system and the subsequent inability to receive potable water.

The protests were largely peaceful even though criminal elements tried to take advantage of the situation by looting stores.

Then there were some opposition political operatives who tried to infiltrate the protests, but were physically rejected.

The criminal elements that burglarised certain stores were quickly apprehended and one was shot.

The people of Linden did not support these actions, which were not part of the protest.

The citizens of Linden also rebuffed those involved in trying to politicise the protest.

It is true that the blockading of the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge caused much hardship and was an illegal act but this was done in order to draw attention to the difficulties facing the people.

At no time was any attempt made to sabotage the bridge. Citizens were allowed safe passage on foot but vehicular traffic was halted.

In Linden, the protesters did not physically attack any one, nor assault any race.

The protests in Linden were therefore distinct from the illegal actions in Buxton.

Criminal gangs operating out of Buxton have consistently dug up the roads, burnt vehicles, attacked, robbed, kidnapped and beaten citizens of Indian descent.

They have also terrorised neigbouring communities.

The criminal activities in Buxton over the past year have been as racist as they have been violent.

The activities in this community have been heavily influenced by certain opposition politicians who, other than the criminals, can roam free in Buxton without being attacked.

Lindeners were protesting against legitimate grievances and their protests were proportionate to the suffering they were undergoing because of the failure of the privately owned electricity company to deliver a reliable supply of electricity.